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M203

Description:

Features: The M203 40mm
Grenade Launcher
is used while attached to an M16A2 5.56mm rifle. It is a lightweight,
compact, breech loading, pump action, single shot launcher. The
launcher consists of a hand guard and sight assembly with an adjustable
metallic folding, short-range blade sight assembly, and an aluminum
receiver assembly which houses the barrel latch, barrel stop and firing
mechanism. The launcher is capable of firing a variety of low velocity
40mm ammunition. The launcher also has a quadrant sight which may be
attached to the M16A2 carrying handle and is used when precision is
required out to the maximum effective range of the weapon.

Background:
The M203 was designed and procured as the replacement for the M79
grenade launcher of the Vietnam era.